The BLACKCAPS have kept the same Test squad for the upcoming two match ANZ Test Series against India

Test Squad remains unchanged | NZ XI named

Posted Sunday, 26 January, 2014 in International News

The BLACKCAPS have kept the same Test squad for the upcoming two match ANZ Test Series against India, beginning Thursday 6 February at Eden Park.

The 12 players named are the same side as the one used in the second and third Test against the West Indies in December, winning 2-0.

BLACKCAPS Test squad for ANZ Test Series v India

Brendon McCullum (c) - Otago Volts

Corey Anderson - Northern Knights

Trent Boult - Northern Knights

Doug Bracewell - Central Stags

Peter Fulton - Canterbury Wizards

Hamish Rutherford - Otago Volts

Jesse Ryder - Otago Volts*

Ish Sodhi - Northern Knights

Tim Southee - Northern Knights

Ross Taylor - Central Stags

Neil Wagner - Otago Volts

BJ Watling - Northern Knights

Kane Williamson - Northern Knights

*Jesse Ryder will travel with the squad as cover for Ross Taylor, whose second child is due during the Test series.

New Zealand Cricket General Manager National Selection Bruce Edgar says it’s a settled squad, but feels there are plenty of players knocking on the door.

“We’ve been really pleased with how this group of players has performed and they’ve been rewarded with consistent selection.

“There’s a lot of talented players in the wings, with the likes of Hamish Bennett, Jimmy Neesham, Tom Latham, Martin Guptill and Jesse Ryder all pushing hard to be involved. That brings out the best in players, and poses some hard questions for Mike and I.

“We’ve made a lot of progress in the Test format recently and the two matches against India will be another chance to continue that development. India are a class side and will give us a good gauge of where the team is at,” said Edgar.

BLACKCAPS Head Coach Mike Hesson says India shapes up as a massive challenge, but also a great opportunity.

“We were thrilled the way we played to beat the West Indies 2-0, but realise we’ll have to step it up another gear when playing India.

“It’s an exciting challenge and we look forward to giving it our all,” said Hesson.

Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford will also feature for a New Zealand XI side in a two day warm-up match against India beginning 2 February at Cobham Oval, Whangarei.

New Zealand XI side

Peter Fulton (c) – Canterbury Wizards

Roald Badenhorst – Central Stags

Jono Boult – Northern Knights

Anton Devcich – Northern Knights

Tipene Friday – Auckland Aces

Jono Hickey – Northern Knights

Shawn Hicks – NZ Under-19s

Iain McPeake – Wellington Firebirds

Hamish Rutherford – Otago Volts

Tim Seifert (w) – NZ Under-19s

Ili Tugaga – Wellington Firebirds

Henry Walsh – Wellington Firebirds

Edgar believes the match is a great opportunity for all the New Zealand XI players.

“We’ve gone with a predominantly youthful side because we feel the experience will help their development.

“It’s not often you get to face India, so it’s a great chance for the players to test themselves against one of the world's leading sides.

“For Peter and Hamish, it will be a good chance to have a look at the Indian attack before the first Test,“ said Edgar.